Liverpool make World Cup winner ‘number-one target’ amid Bellingham drama – Klopp a ‘huge fan’

Liverpool have made Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister their number-one target this summer, according to a report.

The Reds had identified Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham as their top target, but they have now reportedly pulled out of the race to land the 19-year-old.

This left many fans frustrated and upset with the club after they had put lots of effort into convincing Bellingham’s representatives that Anfield is the best place for him.

With Liverpool out of the race, Real Madrid and Manchester City are the current frontrunners to land the English international.

Reds supporters are now wondering who their top priority will be going into the summer transfer window with Bellingham off the table.

and are expected to bring in at least two after the 2022-23 campaign comes to an end.

Brighton and Argentina star Mac Allister is a name that is creeping up more often than any other and it has been reported by Football Insider that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a ‘huge fan’.

The report says Mac Allister is the club’s ‘top midfield target this summer’.

Klopp is ‘eager to rebuild his midfield’ by delving into the transfer market and it would be a huge shock to see only one player brought in.

The German manager is particularly impressed with Mac Allister’s ‘versatility’ and the club view him as a ‘cheaper alternative’ to Bellingham.

Liverpool feel ‘confident’ they can land the 24-year-old – who ‘can inject energy and creativity to the side’, the report adds.

Mac Allister is having a wonderful season with Brighton fighting for a Champions League spot in the Premier League.

He has ten goals and three assists in 29 matches across all competitions in 22-23 and also played a huge part in Argentina’s World Cup triumph last December.

West Ham captain Declan Rice is also on the club’s shortlist, with the Hammers expected to ask for £80million.

Mac Allister, on the other hand, could be valued anywhere between £60m and £150m by Brighton, with their asking price expected to depend on where they finish in the Premier League.

Speaking earlier this week, .

“The talks are just beginning in general,” Carlos Mac Allister said.

“But it is most likely that Alexis will already be playing in another team next July.”